OBITUARY

Shirley Ann Yarber

February 13, 1948 – February 9, 2019

Yarber, Shirley Ann 70 of Knoxville, TN went Home to be with her Lord and Saviour just 4 days short of her 71st birthday. She was surrounded by her family and loved ones. Shirley was a faithful wife and mother who loved so many and shared her faith with others. She was a former member of Stonewall Baptist Church and a current member of New Life Baptist Church, Powell, TN for a combined total of over 50 years. Shirley welcomed everyone with a hug at church and was a Mamaw to all the children. She graduated from Cooper Institute with a 2 year business degree and St. Mary's Nursing School, class of 1988. Shirley was a RN at Parkwest Hospital, RN at St. Mary's Oak Hill, home health nurse with Care Plus, RN at Brakebill Nursing Home, RN at NHC St. Mary's, CPR instructor for Red Cross, and MDS Coordinator at Beverly Park Place Rehabilitation Center. She enjoyed listening to gospel music, spending time with her family, helping others, receiving flowers from her loving husband weekly, collecting angel figurines, and serving others through nursing. Though her last year was a hard fought battle with cancer, Shirley's faith held strong and at 8:08pm on February 9th, 2019 she was declared cancer free when she was given her new body. She was preceded in death by parents, Roy and Stella Snelson; brother, Bob Snelson; mother-in-law, Pearl Yarber. Shirley is survived by her husband of 43 years, Jack Yarber; daughters, Tammy (David) Gray, Rhonda (Willie) Holt, Shirley (Kris) Dunsmore; sons, David (Dana) McGinnis, Paul (Barbara) Yarber, Donnie (Becky) Yarber, Tommy (Kristi) Yarber, Justin (Stephanie) McGinnis; special niece, Denise (Randall) Hayes; rescue dog, Meg; 28 grandchildren; 13 great grand children; brothers, Steve Snelson, Dave Snelson, Bill (Jackie) Snelson, Junior (Jean) Snelson; nieces, nephews, hairdresser, Gail Henson. The family would like to thank TN Cancer Associates, Dr. Eapen and staff, Dr. Meek at Provision Care, and the staff at Beverly Park Place for their kindness during Shirley's illness. A special thanks to the chemo nurses and the Provision Care nurses for taking such good care of her. Family will receive friends Tuesday, February 12th from 5-7pm at Berry Lynnhurst Funeral Home on Adair Dr. with service following at 7pm. Pastor David McGinnis Jr., Brother Brian Stoutt, and Brother Michael Foust officiating. Singers, Lindsay Rogers, Elijah McGinnis, and Brian and Rebecca Stoutt. Family and friends to meet at Berry Lynnhurst Wednesday, February 13th at 2:30pm for procession to grave for a 3pm burial. In lieu of flowers, please make memorial contributions to American Cancer Society (Weisgarber Road), St. Jude's Childrens Hospital, Shriners Hospital or charity of your choice in honor of Shirley.

REMEMBERING

Shirley Ann Yarber

Sabrina Naylor

February 16, 2019

I didn't know Ms. Shirley like so many others did, but from the short time i had met her and the family in the ER I could tell that she loved and was loved by so many. I offer my prayers and condolences to her entire family.

Karen Manis

February 12, 2019

It can be so hard to know what to say at a time like this. Shirley and the entire Snelson family always treated me just like one of the family. I always thought of Shirley as one of my aunt's. My heart and prayers go out to the Snelson and Yarber family. Shirley was a wonderful lady and will be sadly missed.

Shirley Dunsmore

February 11, 2019

Mom was the most wonderful mom in the world even tho she wasn't feeling well this day she was always smiling this was her last mother's day with us! You will forever be greatly missed!

Allyson and Jimmy Cunningham

February 11, 2019

I'll always have this forever and forever

Dana McGinnis

February 11, 2019

I don't even know where to begin. Shirley was more to me than a mother-in-law. She stepped in when my mother passed and became my second mother. Her presence was always a joy. She was my go-to person for medical advice, spiritual advice, counseling, or just when I needed someone to talk to. Shirley told you straight but she done it with compassion. There are so many things that I will miss about her. I will miss her love, her hugs at church, her little angel emojis with an 'I love you' at the end, her taking my side 😉, for making me feel special, encouraging me through my spiritual walk, small gifts just because she cared, her Bible verses in the church bulletin, and the list could go on. Shirley loved deeply and she was loved deeply. Her nursing skills and the love for her patients were amazing. Never will there be another nurse quite like her. At church, she was Mamaw Shirley to everyone. She loved all the kids and never treated anyone different. If one needed corrected, she would correct them, or if one needed love, she would love them. She met so many needs because she could be so much to so many different people. Her desire to please the Lord was a priority. I dont ever remember her missing a church service before her illness. Her spot on the pew will always hold a special place in my heart. I could always count on her being right there. She was faithful at hugging all who walked into the church. Her faithfulness and sincerity will I remember the most. She never waivered on either. Before she passed, she told me she loved me..a lot! I believed her too, because she had proven them through her life time. I am so sad to see her go, but in my soul, I rejoice because I know she didn't stop living, she just started! I love you Shirley. Until then ...😇

This site is provided as a service of SCI Shared Resources, LLC. The Dignity Memorial brand name is used to identify a network of licensed funeral, cremation and cemetery providers that include affiliates of Service Corporation International, 1929 Allen Parkway, Houston, Texas. With over 2,000 locations, Dignity Memorial providers proudly serve over 300,000 families a year.